Better food access bid

The residents of the state might soon get foodgrain almost near their doorsteps if the food and consumer protection department has its way.

The department has taken an initiative to make foodgrain more accessible to the residents, a move that could benefit all those who depend the public distribution system.

According to the department’s plan, trucks delivering foodgrain would have to be equipped with global positioning system. These trucks would collect foodgrain from Food Corporation of India godowns and supply it to the state food corporation.

These, among other issues, were discussed at a workshop organised by the department with transporters of state food corporation at the Planetarium on Wednesday.

As part of the proposed scheme, the consumers would be informed about the supply of foodgrains through loudspeakers and text alerts.

“The state government aims to provide the people with sufficient foodgrain on time. As part of the pilot project, a block in every district will be selected. Godowns will be set up at the panchayat-level so that foodgrains could reach the people. Once it reaches the state food corporation, it will be taken to panchayat godowns. Then the consumers will be informed so that they can collect foodgrains from shops,” food and consumer protection minister Shyam Rajak said.

“Besides, since the trucks delivering foodgrain will be equipped with the global positioning system,” he said, adding that two persons would be recruited at every godown on a contractual basis.

Managing director of the state food corporation Pradeep Kumar and principal secretary of the food and consumer protection department Shishir Sinha also attended the programme.